Today’s Word

 

The Winter Olympic Games are about to commence. This is an extension of the original Olympic Games which started in Greece certainly 2000 years ago and was recommenced in the early 20th Century. In the original Games, the winner was rewarded with a laurel wreath, that was his only prize, but he received the applause of the crowds and |I have no doubt became something of a celebrity. Putting it another way, he competed for the glory of being a winner and that was in those days enough.

The Olympics today are a much more commercial affair, yes there is still the glory of being a winner, but many other more commercial benefits accrue as well. But I would not wish to take anything away from the competitors and winners who are all basically in it to win it.

That glory that is achieved at one time may be repeated in subsequent contests but will eventually fade into history because it is based on physical effort and sport being such a high profile activity, the glory achieved by one winner will subsequently be eclipsed later in time by another competitor who performs even better.

This is all in contrast to the spiritual world when only one triune Person deserves and should receive glory always and eternally. Paul writes at the end of his letter to the Philippians, “Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever.” That is the difference between man’s exaltation of man and our exaltation of the eternal God who loves us and has given His own Son to pay for our sin. An eternal God, who has granted us eternal life should have eternal glory from those who owe Him so much. “To God be the glory, great things He has done!”

Article written by Brian Preston, Elder @SFGH Church